Khamenei Expresses Discontent with Zarif: Some of This is a Repetition of U.S. Words

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stated that he is "regretful about the remarks of some officials and surprised by them," in reference to a recent leak concerning Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Khamenei added, "Some officials have said sorrowful things... hostile media disseminate these words... some of this is a repetition of U.S. words," pointing out that "Americans are very unhappy with Iran's influence in the region, which is why they were displeased with the late Quds Force commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, Qasem Soleimani." He continued, "The enemies threatened Qasem Soleimani with death, and Soleimani's response was that the enemy threatens him as it wishes," emphasizing that "the Quds Force is the most active and influential force in diplomacy in the West Asian region." The Iranian leader stressed that "Iranian officials must not make major mistakes," warning that "they should not make statements that repeat American rhetoric, and that the remarks of some officials are a repetition of the enemy's hostile statements."